9 August 08

After the usual much-needed Saturday lie-in for Nick, we fancied going on the water again, so we took the boat across to Odaiba. It's fast becoming my favourite trip out; though the bay is ringed with high-rises and is partially industrialised, that makes it more interesting, and Rainbow Bridge is pleasing to the eye. Aqua City is quite futuristic.


Odaiba has a wooded waterfront walk with good views, where you can very quickly get away from the crowds and have it almost to yourself.

Mind you, it is the start of Obon, the mid-August festival period when people traditionally go back to their home town for a few days, so perhaps a lot of Tokyoites had left the city.

Actually, it was comfortable outside for once, owing to a strong breeze, so we were able to walk along the shore without perspiring too much. Two young women were very taken with Emily, saying she looked like a pretty doll, and took each other's photo with her. We finished our visit with refreshments at a seaside cafe reminiscent of those at home. Nick ordered chips (or 'French fly' as the menu had it) and they were decent English chunky chips for once, with proper malt vinegar to boot. I resisted the urge to order 'porched egg'.

For dinner I used the new oven for the first time and produced a passable fish pie and a plum crumble. Now all I need is a bit of time to rustle up a cake or two...